Magnet Test – Difference of Ferrous vs. Non-Ferrous Metals

To figure out whether a scrap metal is worth money or not is a fairly simple test:

Take a magnet (could be one right off of your fridge!)

Stick the magnet to the scrap metal that you have

If the magnet sticks, then the material is steel and is worth very little but Rockaway Recycling will throw it into a steel dumpster to make sure that it is recycled the right way

If the magnet DOES NOT stick, then you are in luck because the scrap metal is going to be worth money

Please call 1.800.317.JUNK for any questions on your material

Some of the most common questions we get on the phone with customers included how to find out if you have steel or not. The magnet test is the best and easiest option to see what kind of scrap metal you have and if it is worth your time and effort to bring it to Rockaway Recycling.

Ferrous Metal = Magnet Sticks

Non-Ferrous Metal = Magnet Doesn’t Stick

Ferrous Characteristics

Magnetic

Need 500lb. Minimum

Usually Steel or Iron

Pick Up Services Over 1000lb.

Least Valuable Scrap Metals

Non-Ferrous Characteristics

Not Magnetic

No Minimum

Copper, Brass, Aluminum, Stainless Steel & More

Pick Up Services Over 500lb.

Most Valuable Scrap Metals

Many times homeowners, contractors, and other aren’t sure what kind of material they have whether it is a metal cabinet, chairs, racks, stands, and other materials they come across when cleaning out spaces. We suggest to take a magnet to determine if it is a ferrous or non-ferrous metal. The magnet will stick to ferrous and will not stick to non-ferrous.

Common Ferrous Metals & Items:

Steel

Light Iron

Cast Iron

Appliances (Washer, Dryer, Refrigerators)

Cars/Trucks

Common Non-Ferrous Metals & Items:

Copper

Brass

Aluminum

Stainless Steel

Electronic Scrap (E-Scrap)

Rockaway Recycling Purchasing Ferrous Materials

Generally ferrous metals are worth much less money in scrap value. That is part of the reason why Rockaway Recycling only accepts a 500lb. minimum to pay out for ferrous items like steel and iron. Rockaway Recycling is primarily a non-ferrous yard so we do not deal with large volumes of ferrous metals at our facility in Rockaway, NJ. We do however offer container and pick up services for industrial ferrous loads of thousands of pounds at a time. If you have ferrous materials, Rockaway Recycling will encourage you to bring your metal to our facility on your own but we will not offer pick up services for only a few hundred pounds of materials.

Purchasing Non-Ferrous Metals At Rockaway Recycling

On the other hand Rockaway Recycling has a focus on non-ferrous materials because they are worth more money in scrap value. Metals like copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, and stainless steel are common non-ferrous metals that we accept at Rockaway Recycling. Homeowners will often have aluminum siding or electronic scrap like computer towers and laptops that can be recycled. Rockaway Recycling will pay per the pound for these materials. We do not accept TV’s, computer screens, or any monitors.If you have a large quantity of non-ferrous metals like stainless steel, copper wire or cable, or aluminum Rockaway Recycling can also supply you and your job site with containers and pick up services.